About

James is a London-based filmmaker with over a decade of experience across commercials, corporate, documentary, music promos and narrative. Inspired by his formative years between the suburbs of London and the industrial North, strong storytelling drives his work - whatever the project.

In 2021, he won a 1.4 On The Cusp Award and was shortlisted for a Cannes Lion Young Director Award and Venice TV Award.

In 2022, his narrative debut, Leopard, won several awards including a British Short Film Award, and has been watched over 100,000 times.

In 2023, the Young Arrows and Creative Circle named him one of the industry's most promising directors.

In 2024, James was selected for the Directors UK Inspire Scheme, mentored by Ben A. Williams (Six Four, Sherwood, Humans).

Contact

Enquires: jamesnicholasarden@gmail.com

Awards

Brand Film Awards 2024 - Emotional Impact Award - Shortlist

Webby Awards 2024 - Public Service & Activism (Honoree)

Young Arrows 2023 - Best New Director - Shortlist

Berlin Commercial 2023 - Shortlist x 2

Creative Circle Awards 2023 - Most Promising Director - Nomination

Charity Film Awards 2023 - Winner x 2

British Short Film Awards 2022 - Best Drama - Winner

PromoNews 2022 - Best Music Videos of the Year: Rock & Alt

1.4 Awards 2021 - On The Cusp - Winner

Venice TV Award 2021 - New Talent - Nomination

Cannes Lions 2021 - Young Director Award - Nomination

PromoNews 2021 - Best Music Videos of the Year: Pop & R&B

Kinsale Sharks Awards 2020 - Best Director - Nomination

Lift Off Global Awards 2020 - Best First Film - Winner

London Lift-Off Film Festival 2020 - Best Short Film - Winner

Kerry International Film Festival 2020 - Best International Short - Winner